Ancestry: Dwarf

Anthropoid | Dwarf

Classic
 

The Dwarf

"Stout people of silliness, alcoholism, and somehow more staying power than anyone can reasonably imagine. Somehow, they have a history as old as dirt and are still relevant today."
 

Dwarf Mindset

 

You Might...

  • Strive to uphold your personal honor and refuse to back down.
  • Appreciate quality craftsmanship in all forms and insist upon it for all your gear.
  • Come off as stubborn, though whether this is an asset or a detriment changes from moment to moment.
 

Others Probably...

  • See your favorite things as silly, but exciting. Be they special interests, crafts, or traditions.
  • Recognize the deep connection you have with your family, heritage, and friends.
  • Assume your expertise or understanding in history with a subject, due to the long life you might've lived.

Description

 

Physical Description

Dwarves are short and stocky, standing about a foot shorter than most humans. They have wide, compact bodies and burly frames. Dwarves of all genders pride themselves on the length of their hair and beards, which they often braid into intricate patterns, some of which represent specific clans. A long beard is a sign of maturity and honor among many dwarf clans.   Dwarves typically reach physical adulthood around the age of 25, though their traditionalist culture places more value on completing coming-of-age ceremonies unique to each clan than reaching a certain age. A typical dwarf can live to around 350 years old.
 

Anything Special?

They're the best. Sorry, I don't make the rules.  

Dwarf Mechanics

 

Ancestry Statistics

These do not change unless you have the corresponding Ancestry Talent. All Dwarves start with these.

Base Stats

  • Age. Dwarves mature at the same rate as humans, but they’re considered young until they reach the age of 50. On average, they live about 350 years.
  • Size. Dwarves stand between 3 and 5 feet tall and average about 150 pounds. Your size is Small or Medium (your choice).
  • Associated Traits. Dwarf and Anthropoid (means Humanoid)
  • Traditional Attribute Spread.Traditionally, Dwarves tend to have higher Constitution than other people due to their hardiness, while they remain varied in other ways, whether it’s their Intelligence for the learned Dwarf or Strength for fighters among them.
  • Language(s). Common, Dwarvish (+1 per your positive Cha Mod when starting the game, list here)
  • Base Movement / Speed. 25 ft
  • Senses. Low-Light Vision, Darkvision 30 ft
  • Starting HP (HP per level). 10 (+1)

Ancestry Talents

Dwarven Origin

You and all other dwarves are resistant to the effects of harsher environments and the dark. As a result, you're a little more resilient than others in this regard.

You have Advantage on saving throws against effects with the Disease, and Poison ⚙️ traits, and you have Damage Resistance against effects with those traits.

This Talent cannot be swapped.

Weapon Familiarity, Dwarf

Dwarves are taught at a young age to hone their craft, culturally sticking to some weapons to train in throughout their lives.

You gain proficiency with all weapons (including Advanced Weapons) in the Axe, Firearm (if present), and Mace Weapon Groups.

Additionally, you gain proficiency with any weapon considered ‘Dwarven’ in nature (example: it has the Dwarf trait.)

Finally, you can use weapons from the Firearm Weapon Group as a casting focus, allowing your abilities to inherit all the benefits of your weapon when used to attack. The attacks do not consume ammunition, unless you wish them to, allowing them to be imbued with the benefits of the Ammo⚙️.

Hyperdiversity

Diversity is your strength.

You may raise two of your starting Attributes by 1. This talent allows you to raise a stat up to +5 at level 1.

Alternatively, you may swap this talent out for any Skill Talent, in addition to any Ancestry Talents you qualify for.

 

Once this talent is swapped, this trait cannot be gained again.

Heritage Choice

You may pick a heritage. You gain everything listed from such.
 

Variant Ancestry Talents

Some of your talents can be swapped for the ones listed below, or be taken at a later level via Rule: Character Progression. If your GM is using the Classic Ancestries optional rule, you can only take the talents below as you level.   Here are the talents you can swap at level 1.  
AT: Ancestral Lore, Dwarf
Generic article | May 9, 2026

Level 1 | You eagerly absorbed the old stories and traditions of your ancestors, your gods, studying subjects and techniques passed down for generation upon generation.

AT: Artisanal Forger
Generic article | May 9, 2026

Level 1 | Your culture has lent you the ability to work with metals and ores

AT: Cunning of Stone
Generic article | May 9, 2026

Level 1 | It's in a dwarf's best interest to understand the rocks of the world, and the history written into them.

AT: Defy Death
Generic article | May 9, 2026

Level 1 | You are exceptionally difficult to kill, even when dying.

AT: Favored Class, Barbarian
Generic article | May 11, 2026

Level 1 | Classically or culturally, you're able to obtain, retain, or maintain one of your ancestry's iconic classes.

AT: Favored Class, Cleric
Generic article | May 11, 2026

Level 1 | Classically or culturally, you're able to obtain, retain, or maintain one of your ancestry's iconic classes..

AT: Favored Class, Fighter
Generic article | May 11, 2026

Level 1 | Classically or culturally, you're able to obtain, retain, or maintain one of your ancestry's iconic classes.

AT: Favored Class, Paladin
Generic article | May 11, 2026

Level 1 | Classically or culturally, you're able to obtain, retain, or maintain one of your ancestry's iconic classes.

AT: Fearless
Generic article | May 11, 2026

Level 1 | You are naturally calm and collected in the face of imminent danger.

AT: Hyperdiversity
Generic article | Jan 5, 2026

Level 1 | Diversity is your strength.

AT: Methodology of Dwarves
Generic article | Aug 18, 2025

Level 1 | Dwarves have a long history fighting common foes on certain planes, and you've been taught these tactics well in your home.

AT: Rock Runner
Generic article | Aug 18, 2025

Level 1 | Your innate connection to stone makes you adept at moving across uneven surfaces.

AT: Spite of the Small
Generic article | May 11, 2026

Level 1 | Your tiny, diminutive, miniature, minute, petite, wee, minuscule, or teeny stature makes you (un)characteristically violent

AT: Stout Ingenuity
Generic article | May 11, 2026

Level 1 | You make up for your size with the ability to work your hands to do complex things.

AT: Unburdened Iron
Generic article | Aug 18, 2025

Level 1 | You’ve learned techniques first devised by your ancestors, which allows you to thrive in massive armors.

AT: Well-Met Traveler
Generic article | Nov 15, 2025

Level 1 | You naturally adopt a pleasant and affable demeanor that is enhanced by your appearance, vibe, or other features.

  Here are the ancestry talents you can gain at later levels.   Unlockable at Character level 3 Unlockable at Character level 5 Unlockable at Character level 7 Unlockable at Character level 9 Unlockable at Character level 11   Note: The Origin Customization rule allows you to swap any skill proficiency gained for another you don't have, if playing with traditional or other rules.  

Deeper Lore

Settings

Golarion

Base
Dwarves are a short, stocky people who are often stubborn, fierce, and devoted.   Dwarves have a well-earned reputation as a stoic and stern people, but they also have an unbridled zeal and deeply value artisanship. To a stranger, they can seem untrusting and clannish, but to their friends and family, they are warm and caring. While trust from a dwarf is hard-won, once gained it is as strong as iron.
Society
Though the ancient dwarven empire fell long ago, overwhelmed by orc and goblinoid enemies, dwarves today retain many of the qualities that once propelled them to greatness: fierceness, gumption, and stubbornness in their endeavors. Dwarves live within mountain Sky Citadels dotted over the surface, which can create vast cultural divides between dwarf clans. Yet nearly all dwarven peoples share a passion for stonework, metalwork, and family.   Few dwarves are seen without their clan dagger strapped to their belt. This dagger is forged just before a dwarf's birth and is distinctive to their clan. Dwarves honor their children with names of ancestors or dwarven heroes. When introducing themselves, dwarves tend to list their family and clan, plus any number of other familial connections and honorifics.
 

Names

Golarion
Agna, Bodill, Edrukk, Grunyar, Ingra, Kotri, Morgrym, Rogar, Torra, Yangrit.
 

Alignment and Faith

Golarion
Dwarves tend to value honor and closely follow the traditions of their clans and kingdoms. They have a strong sense of friendship and justice, though they are often very particular about who they consider a friend. They work hard and play harder—especially when strong ale is involved. Torag, god of dwarvenkind, is dwarves' primary deity, though worship of Torag's family members is also common.   Popular Edicts: Create art with utility, guard your community against those who would harm it, keep your clan dagger close. Popular Anathema: Leave an activity or promise uncompleted, forsake your family.
 

Examples of Dwarves


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